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| United States Patent |
6,179,928
|
|
Carlton
|
January 30, 2001
|
Disposable toilet drain unclogger
Abstract
An apparatus having a handle and a plurality of elongated loops connected
to the handle provides a means for unclogging a toilet or sink drain of an
impediment. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is long and slender
in profile to fit within a toilet or sink drain. Furthermore, the
apparatus is preferably made of a flexible and firm plastic, thereby
providing the means for the apparatus to bend and mold when pushed through
a toilet drain. Also in the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is
disposable such that a user does not have to wash or store the apparatus
after its use.
| Inventors:
|
Carlton; Robert H. (645 Mulberry St., Williamson, WV 25661)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
327394 |
| Filed:
|
June 7, 1999 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
134/6; 15/104.16; 15/104.31 |
| Intern'l Class: |
B08B 009/04; B08B 009/043 |
| Field of Search: |
15/104.03,104.05,104.15,104.16,104.31
134/6
366/129,325.6,343
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
| D302638 | Aug., 1989 | Hiscott et al. | D7/103.
|
| 458090 | Aug., 1891 | Zimmerman.
| |
| 543791 | Jul., 1895 | Wood | 15/104.
|
| 714907 | Dec., 1902 | Holder | 15/141.
|
| 726025 | Apr., 1903 | Cady | 15/141.
|
| 963965 | Jul., 1910 | Weber.
| |
| 986462 | Mar., 1911 | Holdaway.
| |
| 1088794 | Mar., 1914 | Pierce | 15/104.
|
| 1261444 | Apr., 1918 | Schied.
| |
| 1579382 | Apr., 1926 | Mitchell | 15/141.
|
| 2567923 | Sep., 1951 | Burke | 15/104.
|
| 3171149 | Mar., 1965 | Ciaccio | 15/104.
|
| 3330533 | Jul., 1967 | Blume | 254/134.
|
| 3480021 | Nov., 1969 | Ewald | 134/24.
|
| 4256510 | Mar., 1981 | Thompson et al. | 134/6.
|
| 4735510 | Apr., 1988 | Barbour et al. | 366/343.
|
| 4794739 | Jan., 1989 | Ivanditto | 51/262.
|
Primary Examiner: Till; Terrence R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Steptoe & Johnson
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of application Ser. No. 60/088,387,
filed Jun. 8, 1998.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for unclogging a drain, comprising:
a handle;
a plurality of elongated loops, each said loop having a loop width, a top,
a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end are
securely and permanently connected to said handle such that said elongated
loops form a generally 3-dimensional conical shape; and
a means for connecting the top of each said elongated loop.
2. The apparatus for unclogging a drain according to claim 1, wherein said
means for connecting is a ring connector.
3. The apparatus for unclogging a drain according to claim 1, wherein the
length of the apparatus is approximately three feet long.
4. The apparatus for unclogging a drain according to claim 3, wherein the
loop width is about four to six inches.
5. The apparatus for unclogging a drain according to claim 4, wherein said
elongated loops are manufactured of a flexible and firm plastic.
6. An apparatus for unclogging a drain, comprising:
a handle; and
a plurality of elongated loops, each said loop having a loop width about
two inches, a top, a first end and a second end, the first end and the
second end are securely and permanently connected to said handle;
wherein the length of the apparatus is approximately three feet long.
7. The apparatus for unclogging a drain according to claim 6, wherein said
elongated loops are manufactured of a flexible and firm plastic.
8. An apparatus for unclogging a drain, comprising:
a handle;
a plurality of elongated arms, each said elongated arm having a first end
and a second end, the first ends being securely and permanently connected
to said handle; and
a means for connecting together the second ends of said elongated arms,
wherein when pressure is exerted on the second ends of said elongated
arms, said elongated arms bend outward from a center axis and form a
generally 3-dimensional conical shape;
wherein said means for connecting together the second ends of said
elongated arms is a pin.
9. The apparatus for unclogging a drain according to claim 8, wherein said
elongated loops are manufactured of a flexible and firm plastic.
10. The apparatus for unclogging a drain according to claim 8, wherein the
length of the apparatus is approximately three feet long.
11. A method for unclogging a drain with an apparatus having a handle and a
plurality of elongated loops, each said elongated loop having a loop
width, a top, a first end and a second end, the first end and the second
end are securely and permanently connected to said handle, comprising the
steps of:
(a) inserting the apparatus into the clogged drain until the top of said
elongated loops contact a impediment;
(b) pushing and twisting the apparatus against the impediment to loosen the
impediment;
(c) pulling the apparatus wherein the impediment is pulled from its
location in the drain;
(d) repeating steps (b) and (c) as needed to completely dislodge the
impediment; and
(e) removing the apparatus from the drain.
12. The method for unclogging a drain according to claim 11, further
comprising the step of:
(f) disposing of the apparatus.
13. An apparatus for unclogging a drain, comprising:
a handle;
a plurality of elongated arms, each said elongated arm having a first end
and a second end, the first end being securely and permanently connected
to said handle;
a means for connecting together the second ends of said elongated arms,
wherein when pressure is exerted on the second ends of said elongated
arms, said elongated arms bend outward from a center axis and form a
generally 3-dimensional conical shape,
wherein the length of the apparatus is approximately three feet long.
14. The apparatus for unclogging a drain according to claim 13, wherein
said handle and said plurality of elongated arms are manufactured of a
flexible and firm plastic.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to apparatuses for unclogging toilet drains, and
specifically, to disposable apparatuses for inserting into a clogged
toilet drain and removing an impediment therefrom.
2. Related Art
At some point in everyone's life, a person experiences the displeasure of
encountering a clogged toilet drain wherein an impediment blocks the
toilet drain such that the water of a toilet bowl does not drain properly.
Under such circumstances, a person typically reaches for a plunger to
unclog the toilet drain.
There are many disadvantages associated with using a conventional plunger.
The principal disadvantage is that a plunger attempts to create a vacuum
within the toilet drain where a pumping action with the plunger is used to
create a suction. The impediment in the toilet drain is pushed and pulled
via this suction until it is loosened and eventually flushed away. In many
cases, the impediment is not removed in a timely manner due to the bulky
size or dense nature of the impediment. Therefore, what is needed is an
apparatus for unclogging a toilet drain that can actually break up the
impediment making it easier to remove from the toilet drain.
Another disadvantage associated with using a plunger is that the plunger
typically becomes soiled from being used in a clogged toilet. Therefore,
there is a need for a disposable toilet drain unclogger wherein the
apparatus can be easily disposed of after use.
In addition to a conventional plunger, there are several apparatus
available to assist a person with unclogging a toilet drain. However, none
of these available apparatuses are designed for household use wherein the
apparatus is easy to use, effective, and disposable.
In U.S. Pat. No. 963,965 to Weber, a pipe cleaner is disclosed comprising a
gripping member wherein once an impediment is contacted within a toilet
drain, the gripping member is engaged such that the pipe cleaner grabs the
impediment so that it can be pulled from the toilet drain. Due to the
complicated mechanical nature of this apparatus, the disclosed pipe
cleaner requires a certain amount of skill and proficiency in inserting
the pipe cleaner and working the gripping member. The pipe cleaner may
also not be able to grab certain impediments. In addition, the fingers of
the pipe cleaner may present a danger to small children who come in
contact therewith.
In U.S. Pat. No. 986,462 to Holdaway, a sewer cleaner is disclosed
comprising a combination of extending ribs and a split circular knife
wherein the apparatus is pulled through a sewer to cut roots or other
vegetation growing within the sewer. It is readily apparent that this
apparatus is not suitable for conventional household use as used in
connection with a clogged toilet drain.
In U.S. Pat. No. 1,261,444 to Schied, a tool for removing obstructions from
plumbing passageways is disclosed which is intended for conventional
household use. The disclosed tool comprises a grappling member having a
plurality of twisted pronged tines attached to the end of an elongated
shaft and crank handle. In use, the tool is inserted into a clogged toilet
drain until an impediment is contacted. If the impediment cannot be pushed
through the toilet drain, the user turns the crank thereby turning the
grappling member until the tines embed the impediment such that it can be
pulled from the toilet drain. Despite its claimed effectiveness, this tool
has several disadvantages. First, the tool is dangerous to have laying
around the house because of the twisted prong tines. A person, especially
a small child, may accidently get impaled or cut on the tines. Second, if
an impediment must be pulled from the toilet drain, the user will have to
dispose of it.
In U.S. Pat. No. 2,567,923 to Burke, a pip-cleaning swab is disclosed that
comprises an elongated shaft with a bent plate attached to one end of the
elongated shaft and having a textile sleeve with tentacles covering the
bent plate. This swab does not provide the needed flexibility for passing
through a curved toilet drain found in conventional households due to the
rigid nature of the bent plate. Furthermore, the bent plate does not
provide any means for breaking up an impediment of a clogged toilet drain,
but rather, can only push an object forward out of the toilet drain. The
tentacles are disclosed as being able to wrap around an impediment in
order to pull it out of the toilet drain; however, given the fact that the
impediment fully closes off the toilet drain, it would be extremely
difficult if not impossible for the tentacles to sufficiently surround and
grasp the impediment for its removal.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,330,533 to Blume, a twisted hook terminal for roding
ducts is disclosed for running a cable, or other line, e.g. a telephone
line, through a conduit. Specifically, this patent discloses a fish tape
and a pulling device, wherein the cable is attached to the fish tape. The
fish tape is grabbed by a pulling device and pulled through a conduit,
thereby the desired cable or other line is pulled through the conduit.
Therefore, this device is not intended, nor capable of, assisting a user
in eliminating an impediment from a clogged toilet drain. The fish tape
comprises a plurality of looped wires that are bent upon themselves and
connected to an anchor. The looped wires must be sufficiently strong so as
to maintain their shape and position relative to each other. If the looped
wires collapsed or moved out of position within the conduit, then the
pulling device would be unable to engage the looped wires, thereby
becoming unable to pull a line through the conduit. Furthermore, the fish
tape as disclosed is unable, as well as not intended, to remove clogs or
other impediments from the conduit. In fact, this apparatus teaches away
from using this apparatus for removing impediments because this apparatus
would not work if any impediment is located in a conduit through which the
fish tape and pulling device are to pass.
Therefore, there is a need for a disposable toilet drain unclogger that is
capable of pushing as well as pulling and/or breaking up an impediment
from a clogged toilet drain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention solves the problems associated with removing
impediments from a clogged toilet drain by providing an apparatus
comprised of a handle and a plurality of flexible and bendable elongated
loops that are attached to the handle. In the preferred embodiment the
apparatus is of such a width as to easily fit within a conventional toilet
drain and of such a length as to protect the user from contacting the
water of the toilet while removing the impediment.
There are many advantages associated with the apparatus of the present
invention. First, the elongated loops of the present invention are very
long in relation to similar apparatuses. Therefore, the apparatus
continues to break up an impediment found in a clogged toilet drain
throughout the entire length of the toilet drain as the user moves the
apparatus back and forth.
In addition, the apparatus is very simple and easy to use. A person does
not have to deal with any complicated mechanical devices or methods of
operation. In use, a person merely has to insert the apparatus until an
impediment is contacted, then push, pull and twist the apparatus until the
impediment is dislodged and/or broken up, and finally flush the impediment
down the toilet drain.
The apparatus of the present invention is also very economical. Due to its
simple design and structure, the apparatus is very inexpensive and
intended to be disposable. After use, a user does not have to clean the
apparatus or worry about storing the apparatus--the user can simply throw
the apparatus away.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying
drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or
functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a
reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number
first appears.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an apparatus of
the present invention; and
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an apparatus
100 of the present invention for unclogging a toilet drain. In the
preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a handle 102 and a
plurality of elongated loops 104a,b. For convenience purpose only, the
apparatus 100 is shown with two elongated loops 104a,b. It would be
readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) to design
and manufacture an apparatus 100 having more than two elongated loops
104a,b. Further, the elongated loops 104a,b maybe of any shape, e.g. round
tubing, as shown, or flat straps. Each elongated loop 104a,b has a top
116a,b, a first end 112a,b and a second end 114a,b, wherein the first ends
112a,b and second ends 114a,b are securely connected to the handle 102.
The elongated loops 104a,b are attached directly to the handle 102 in
order to provide the user with the extended means of breaking up an
impediment the entire length of the apparatus 100 as the apparatus 100 is
in use.
The apparatus 100 also comprises an optional means for connecting 106 the
tops 116a,b of the plurality of loops 104a,b. In the preferred embodiment,
the means for connecting 106 is a ring connector wherein the elongated
loops 104a,b pass through the ring connector. The use of a ring connector
is for convenience purpose only. It would be readily apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) to use a different means for
connecting the tops 116a,b of the elongated loops 104a,b, e.g., a clip,
tab, pin, fastener, and the like. The means for connecting 106 secures the
tops 116a,b of the elongated loops 104a,b from moving out of position.
In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 is made of a flexible, but
firm plastic. This provides the means for the apparatus 100 to bend and
mold within a toilet drain to any needed shape in order to move through
the toilet drain and eliminate an impediment therein. Furthermore, the use
of plastic will provide the apparatus 100 with the needed flexibility and
resilience in pushing and pulling the impediment through the toilet drain.
If the apparatus 100 was made of a material that is too soft and flimsy,
the user would not be able to provide enough force with which to move an
impediment. And if the apparatus 100 was made of a material that was too
strong and stiff, the user would not be able to maneuver the apparatus 100
through the toilet drain. The preferred embodiment is described in terms
of plastic for convenience purpose only. It would be readily apparent to
one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to design and manufacture an
apparatus 100 of the present invention using a comparable material that
provides the same functionality in terms of flexibility and firmness.
Furthermore, sufficient detail has been provided that would enable any one
of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) to manufacture an apparatus 100
of the present invention.
In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 is intended for unclogging a
toilet drain. Therefore, the apparatus 100 is approximately three (3) feet
in length 110 and the elongated loops 104a,b are approximately four to six
inches in width 108. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus 100 is
adapted for use in a sink drain, wherein the elongated loops 104a,b are
approximately two inches in width 108. The preferred embodiment is
described in these dimensions for convenience purpose only. It would be
readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to design
and manufacture an apparatus 100 of the present invention using comparable
dimensions.
In operation, a user uses the apparatus 100 whenever there is an impediment
in a toilet drain causing the toilet to back up or not flush. The user,
holding onto the handle 102, inserts the tops 116a,b of the elongated
loops 106 into the toilet drain until the tops 116a,b contact the
impediment. Once contact is established, the user pushes, pulls, and/or
twists the apparatus 100 to move, breakup, or otherwise dislodge, the
impediment from the toilet drain. Once the impediment has been eliminated,
the user is free to flush the toilet, thereby completely clearing the
toilet drain of any remaining impediment. Furthermore, the user simply
throws away the apparatus 100 without needing to clean it up or store it
for another use.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus
200 of the present invention. Although structurally similar to the
preferred embodiment of the apparatus 100, the alternative apparatus 200
comprises a handle 202 and a plurality of elongated arms 204a-c. Each
elongated arm 204a-c has a first end 208a-c and a second end 210a-c,
wherein the first ends 208a-c are securely connected to the handle 202.
The second ends 210a-c of the elongated arms 204a-c are also securely
attached together with a clip, pin, fastener, or other means for
connecting 206. The connecting 206 of the second ends 210a-c of the
elongated arms 204a-c causes the elongated arms 204a-c to bow outward from
a center axis 212. Furthermore, when pressure is exerted on the second
ends 210a-c, such as when pushing an impediment through a toilet drain,
the elongated arms 204a-c will bend further outward from the center axis
212.
Conclusion
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described
above, it should be understood that they have been presented by the way of
example only, and not limitation. It will be understood by those skilled
in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in
the specification and the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of
the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described
exemplary embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the
specification and any equivalents.
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